Largest job fair in The County to be held at NMCC March 10

    PRESQUE ISLE — As challenging economic times persist nationwide and in Aroostook County, Northern Maine Community College is hoping to challenge the perception that there are few opportunities for job seekers in the region. NMCC will host northern Maine’s largest annual job fair Thursday, March 10 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the college gymnasium.
    The 14th annual job fair will feature nearly 50 businesses and provide an opportunity for the public to meet with hiring representatives from businesses, organizations, and government entities all under one roof. The majority of the businesses are located in Maine, but a few come from other parts of New England.
    “At a time when layoffs are making local and regional headlines, these businesses are looking to expand their workforce by hiring Aroostook County people,” said Ruth White, regional director of the Early College for ME program. “People shouldn’t just assume that there are no jobs available during these challenging economic times. The public is encouraged to come and see the variety of opportunities each organization has available.”
    According to White, there will be a handful of new businesses appearing for the first time at the NMCC job fair. The majority of the participating businesses are anticipating hiring employees within the year. Those attending the event are also encouraged to stop and talk with the representatives to create that first impression.
    “Since the businesspeople speak with many individuals throughout the day, it is encouraged that the attendees looking for work bring resumes that they can leave behind,” said White. “Leaving a resume behind will give the employer the sense of what skills you have and the type of work you have done in the past. Getting to know you at the job fair will make you a memorable candidate for the desired position.”
    There is also a section where the perspective employers can conduct an interview if necessary. The attendees should come prepared for an interview to take place upon the employer’s request.
    “It really is a win for the employers looking for people, a win for those that have been laid off, a win for other individuals looking to make a change in their career path, and a win for NMCC to host such an event,” said White, who has served as an organizer for the past several years. “It’s convenient for the businesses that are looking to hire since there are over 400 people coming through the doors and it is a time-saver for students and community members to be able to speak with a variety of businesses in a short period of time.”
    Over the years White has seen many of the attendees “pigeonhole” an organization.
    “I encourage all attendees to stop at most of the booths because every company has a variety of positions available. Don’t just shy away from a table because the business name doesn’t match your own skills,” she said. “I encourage attendees not to be afraid, and to take the time to find out exactly what positions are available and what skills are required to fill the position.”
    The attendee may find that they need to update their skills or to acquire new ones. Job fair organizers have anticipated this and plan for NMCC and Husson University to each have a table at the event, allowing the attendees to speak to these schools and start their educational journey.
    The organizers of the job fair hope that area residents take advantage of having a large number of employers in one location to learn about the job opportunities that are available. White hopes that people of Aroostook County realize this job fair is for them, as well as for future graduates of NMCC, University of Maine at Presque Isle, University of Maine at Fort Kent, Husson University, and Loring Job Corps.
    “We know the economic conditions have become much worse and layoffs have hit households that have never been affected before,” said White. “The job fair at NMCC brings together a wide range of employers who are looking for skills from laborers, nurses, lab techs, truck drivers, construction, heavy equipment operators, administrative assistants, manager trainees, plus many more.”